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International Women's Day

Today is International Women's Day. You probably already know this as every single organisation and public figure will have mentioned it. We are no different in that respect but what do we have to say that is so appropriate on a day which aims to promote gender parity along with celebrating the achievements of women?

PBC is a disease which primarily affects women; 90% of those diagnosed with the condition are women. An invisible disease, it drains those affected of their energy and makes working difficult in many cases. When a plea for understanding of extreme fatigue is met with ‘you don’t look ill’ this can lead to an assumption of not “being up to the task” which only further serves to perpetuate the unfair and inaccurate stereotypes regarding women’s physical capacity in relation to men.

Aside from dealing with misinformed perceptions, the physical toll of the disease can make the simple tasks of a normal job difficult to achieve to the maximum of the person’s ability. This inevitably puts women with the disease at a disadvantage. So we will continue working to dispel misconceptions, educate health professionals, support people to live with PBC and contribute to research efforts to find a cure. In doing so, we help address an imbalance in gender parity which was imposed by nature not nurture.

Yet International Women's Day is a celebration, not just an advocacy movement, and we know so many women who are an inspiration to all. One such woman is Esther, our Regional Volunteer for Edinburgh, who has an inspiring outlook on life. Watch the video below to see her story;